p. 70 | Faith by John N. Wilkinson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 31, 1866

Faith.

By John N. Wilkinson

"WITHOUT faith, it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." It is important when we make a petition, to ask in faith, in order to receive. We know that the Lord is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God, but notwithstanding all this, we might make a petition, and not receive it. We want a confiding faith in God, and when we can bring such a faith as this into exercise, we know that "if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us." But when we come and ask in a careless, indifferent manner, we do not receive, and why? "Because we ask amiss."

We frequently hear it remarked that we need more faith; but how can it be obtained? Why, we say, by drawing nigh unto God. Then let us set about the work in earnest. A faint desire never will obtain the blessing. Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled." Some may think that this only means a thoughtful desire to obtain righteousness. But we think in some instances it extends further than a mere desire. When Jesus commissioned his disciples to go out and preach, he told them to heal the sick, cast out devils, etc. But we find one instance where they did not succeed. They had been successful before, even so much so that they rejoiced on account of it. But what is the trouble now? Did they doubt but what the Lord was able to manifest his power on this occasion the same as he had done before? Hear the Saviour: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." We want that faith which worketh by love, or which comes from a heart filled with the love of God. This is confiding faith; "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."

"Oh for a closer walk with God." Let us labor after holiness, and untiringly, and perseveringly press our suit before the court of Heaven, and "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints," and if we cannot obtain the desired blessing, let us still continue even in prayer and fasting, yea, hunger and thirst after it, till we receive, that our joy may be full.

We should manifest as much earnestness in what we want and desire, as was exhibited in the case of the woman of Canaan. She really felt her need, and earnestly besought the Lord to have mercy upon her, and while she felt her need, she also felt her unworthiness. She did not ask for the richest fare, but only for the crumbs which fell from the table. Jesus said to her, "O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt." When we really feel our need, and our unworthiness, then it is that the Lord delights to bless us, and grant our petitions. But in order to have that confiding faith in God, we must have more love for him, more love for the truth, and more love for one another. We must also bring ourselves entirely into subjection to the will of God; "be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God;" be zealous and repent, and get every thing away from the door of our hearts, so that the Lord may come in and sup with us and we with him. May the Lord grant us the tokens of his returning favor, and save us from unbelief and prepare us for his heavenly kingdom.

JOHN N. WILKINSON.

Peterborough, N. H.